Fundamentals of Literacy - Regional Coaching Roadshow (Day 2 of 4) 

August 8, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Kennicutt, Claudine

Literacy coaches serve a critical role in supporting teachers by providing job-embedded professional development. Join us for this five-day training series based on literacy coaching modules that have been adapted by The Florida Center for Reading Research.

Whether you are a literacy coach, principal, or teacher leader, you will learn the necessary components, along with the essential knowledge and skills, to become successful literacy leaders and contribute to the improvement of reading instruction and student achievement.

Participants Will:

• Apply principles and practices that foster a positive school culture

• Apply effective methods and practices for coaching both students and adult learners

• Collect data on instructional practices to inform professional learning

• Plan, implement, and analyze literacy instruction based on the science of reading

• Reflect, plan, and implement literacy coaching

Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar Part 1 (Day 1 of 4) 

August 18, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• O'Brien, Denise

Foundation Cognitive Coaching Seminars® are eight-day trainings and are delivered in two 4 day series.

The agendas for these days include the Planning Conversation Map, the Reflecting Conversation Map, and the Tools of Cognitive CoachingSM.

In Part 1, participants will learn how to:

• develop trust and rapport with others

• support others in becoming self-directed

• utilize conversation structures for planning and reflecting to develop Educator’s autonomy and sense of community

• develop higher levels of efficacy, consciousness, craftsmanship, flexibility and interdependence in others

• know when and how to: coach, evaluate, consult, and collaborate

• use communication skills of pausing, paraphrasing, and posing questions

• distinguish among the five forms of feedback

• use data to mediate thinking

Facilitated by:  ESU 3 Professional Learning Consultants, Susan Presler, Mikki Brooks, and Derek Gangwish

Write Tools: Informative/Explanatory Writing Workshop 

August 21, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Lewandowski, Dallas

• The Informative/Explanatory workshop provides K-12 teachers with essential strategies and hands-on practice so they can immediately implement these instructional tools in their classrooms.

• This course vigorously engages participants in reading and writing strategies and techniques designed to help teach the art of informative/explanatory writing and reading informational text across the curriculum at all grade levels.

• Special attention is given to how these strategies meet the rigors of Academic State Standards.

• During the workshop, we focus on the entire writing process, the organization of informational/explanatory text for both reading and writing purposes, and note-taking skills.

Participants will examine the developmental stages of writing, learn and practice research-based strategies and techniques for teaching informational/explanatory writing skills including sentence building, paragraph and multi-paragraph writing, and compare and contrast essays.

ESU 10 Leadership Network Session 1-2 2025-2026 (Day 1 of 2) 

August 26, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• O'Brien, Denise

The Leadership Network is a professional learning opportunity sponsored by ESU 10.  Participants will be divided into teams of 3 or 4 focused on providing feedback in the areas of instruction, school culture, and effective learning environments within the leader’s local setting.  This partnership agreement details the expectations for each partner.

Network Purpose

• To engage teams of principals who support each other in identifying and executing evidence-based practices likely to impact problems of practice contributing to persistent equity gaps at each of their respective schools.

• To engage network teams in data-rich (quantitative & qualitative) conversations that lead to improved equitable student outcomes.

• To give and receive growth-producing feedback with triad peers that is specific, timely, positive, and delivered in a non-directive voice.

Day 1- 2 

-Orientation to the Process

-Quantitative School Data Analysis

-Qualitative Data Collection

-Instructional Improvement in Action

-Develop Problem Statement and Problem of Practice

ESU 10 Superintendent Meeting 

September 3, 2025

• ESU 10 - ADMIN
• Wheelock, Melissa

This meeting is held for all school administrators in the ESU 10 region. Lunch is provided.  Registration is required.  Agenda will be sent via list serve.

Indicator 13 Transition IEP Review 

September 5, 2025 @ 9:00 AM

• ESU 10 - SPED
• Neill, Denise

Join us to dig into Transition basics.
Review the components of quality and compliant IEPs for Transition age youth. Explore assessments and activities to build stronger transition plans and tools that will make our life easier! ILCD Indicator 13 Self-Assessment prompts will be reviewed and time to rate individual IEPs against the Indicator 13 rubric will be available. All areas of Indicator 13 will be covered. Bring an IEP to work on and your computer.

Registration Deadline: August 29, 2025, one week prior to workshop.  Cancellations not received 2 business days in advance will be billed the workshop fee.
Register online at https://odie.esu10.org to access an Odie workshop.  If you have difficulty requesting an account or accessing your account, please contact Denise Neill, dneill@esu10.org, at 308-237-5927.

PreACT & ACT Data: Stronger Together 

September 11, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Walters, Amy

**This workshop will be facilitated by a trainer from ACT.

This workshop will focus on working with ACT and PreACT data sets. Learn to navigate the ACT Online Reporting System with immediate feedback and support during this workshop. Gain insight into the valuable data created by your students’ participation in the ACT and PreACT.

Strategically work with both data sets to impact student, classroom, and school preparation for the ACT. Identify your areas of strengths and opportunities and move forward as a staff to address your students’ needs related to their success on the ACT. Activities will focus on both assessments, the connection between them, and the value of student and school/district ACT predictive data and longitudinal cohort data. Create SMART goals for the ACT based on your predictive PreACT data. Use this information to inform local School Improvement Planning and in the creation of Action Steps.

This workshop is delivered by ACT staff with significant educational background and experience in the use of all ACT assessment data in the K-12 environment.

Learning Objectives:

·         Establish foundational PreACT and the ACT test knowledge to support data analysis.

·         Understand the major data points of the PreACT and ACT. Extend this knowledge to connect the PreACT with the ACT as longitudinal cohort data charts allowing for trend data review and predictive ACT scores for future student cohorts.

·         Use the predictive value of the PreACT in determining strengths and areas of focus and in the creation of SMART goals based on the ACT school-level predictive data.

·         Provide workshop materials and directions used throughout the workshop to allow for replication at the local level.

Audience:   Administrators and High School content teachers in the areas of English, Math and Science

*It is recommended that at least 2 staff members from a district attend.

LETRS Volume 1 (Units1-4) Cohort 1 2025-26 (Day 1 of 4) 

September 11, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Lewandowski, Dallas

Teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling. Teachers need professional development that provides deeper knowledge, skills, and practice to successfully address reading difficulties.

• Understanding the content and methodology of research-based, explicit, structured literacy instruction

• Deep knowledge of the cognitive and language factors that shape student learning and of pedagogical detail

• Information about how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all student

LETRS Volume 2 (Units 5-8) Cohort 2 2025-2026 (Day 1 of 4) 

September 12, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Kennicutt, Claudine

Teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling. Teachers need professional development that provides deeper knowledge, skills, and practice to successfully address reading difficulties.

• Understanding the content and methodology of research-based, explicit, structured literacy instruction

• Deep knowledge of the cognitive and language factors that shape student learning and of pedagogical detail

• Information about how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all student

Principal & Curriculum Director Meeting 9/16/25 

September 16, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• O'Brien, Denise

Key components of this meeting include: informing (regional and state initiatives), learning, collaborating, problem-solving, and networking. Join us for a day devoted to meeting the six tenets of the AQuESTT Accountability Framework and building level leadership.   This meeting is intended for building Principals and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Directors.

UNL Block Party for Pre-K Educators 

September 19, 2025

• ESU 10 - ADMIN
• Puncochar, Libbie

Block Party: A Fun Way to Learn

This engaging workshop focuses on the benefits of block play and how to support children during this type of play. 

Participants will:
* Rotate through different stations with different types of blocks
* Learn how block play can boost a child’s school readiness
        * Math: Measuring, counting and estimating
        * Science: Experiment and hypothesizing
        * Engineering: Problem-solving and crating
        * Language and literacy: Vocabulary and pre-reading skills
        * Social Skills: Cooperation and sharing
        * Physical skills: Fine and gross motor skills
        * Creativity: Imaginative thinking
        * Problem-solving: Finding solutions

A Comprehensive and Compassionate Approach for Addressing Problem Behavior (Day 1 of 2) 

September 25, 2025

• ESU 10 - SPED
• Neill, Denise

This training is hosted by the ASD Network and designed with school teams in mind (school psychologists, teachers, related service providers, etc.) who work with
students who routinely engage in severe problem behavior, such as self-injury, physical aggression toward others, and property destruction.

Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment (PFA and SBT) is an intervention for individuals who routinely engage in severe problem behavior that
focuses on teaching students communication, tolerance, and cooperation while prioritizing safety, dignity, rapport, and peaceful progress for the individual. The
purpose of PFA/SBT is to teach skills to provide freedom from problem behavior, to empower the individual to behave safely and productively in spite of everyday
challenges, and to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships. This intervention model is intended to be used with individuals who routinely engage in severe 
problem behavior, such as self-injury, physical aggression toward others, and property destruction.

Hotel Rooms: Crowne Plaza (Room block rate $159.95: Group name ASD Network)
Other nearby hotel options (no special room rate): La Quinta Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites

Registration deadline is 1 week prior (September 18,2025) or when registration is at capacity.
Please log into your ODIE account or create a new one (if you do not have one).
Once an account has been created, you can login and register for this workshop.

If you need assistance or have questions with ODIE or registering, please contact Denise Neill at dneill@esu10.org or 308-237-5927. 

New Teacher Academy 10.1.25 

October 1, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Essay, Sarah

  The New Teacher Academy is designed to help prepare and  support new teachers through their first year in the classroom.  This workshop series is based on the new Nebraska Teacher Performance Standards.

Days 1 and 2 are BOTH required for new teachers to attend. New Teacher Academy is a 4-day series, with Days 1 and 2 back-to-back in July.

Day 1 (July 30) will focus on creating a quality learning environment through set up, relationships and classroom management. Day 1 is only for new teachers.

Day 2 (July 31) will include mentors as well as we look at professionalism, planning, and the stages of the first year of teaching. 

Days 3 (Oct 1) and 4 (Jan 22) will address hot topics for these times of year including classroom management, reflection, engagement and instruction strategies, and professionalism.

Participants in ESU 10’s New Teacher Academy have the potential to receive one session of coaching which includes a pre-observation meeting, an observation, and a debrief session to support teacher growth and goal-setting for their first year.

ESU 10 recommends this series to teachers within their first three years of teaching. This year’s series will focus on classroom management, engagement, and relationships.

Register for Day 4--Click here!

Cognia Support Day 2025 

October 7, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Clapp, Kelly

The Cognia transformative model for regional accreditation provides a wraparound protocol for education providers committed to systemic, systematic, and sustainable systems minded continuous improvement. As a trusted partner for well over a century, Cognia continues to expand our capabilities to provide guidance and support using:

• Diverse data tools to inform and monitor improvement.

• Relevant performance standards, reflective of current trends and best practices in education.

• Guided self-reflection to analyze your data findings and tell your story.

• Meaningful feedback and follow-up.

This day will facilitate your improvement work regardless of where you are in your accreditation cycle.

• Walk through our transformative approach to improvement, connecting the tools to support planning, monitoring, and the accreditation self-assessment process.

• Engage in activities that introduce you to the data analysis process to identify findings which help tell your story around Key Characteristics of quality schools.

• Learn more about our current protocol through Accreditation Orientation.

• Engage in team time and guided support for improvement planning and accreditation.

Tier 1 Curriculum Implementation Support - Fall 

October 13, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Steinbrink, Dianah

Join us for our collaborative, district-wide support days targeting Tier 1 Instruction through curriculum and instructional materials implementation to ensure grade-level learning.

Each day will be designed based on trends from a needs assessment sent to registered participants. While some sessions will include instruction from ESU 10 presenters, a majority of each day will be spent on facilitated work time and collaboration. There will be opportunities to collaborate with like instructional materials and similar grade levels.

• High-Quality Instructional Materials Lesson Planning & Unit Internalization: Understand the design of the materials to prepare for strengthening student engagement and learning.

• Increase Understanding of Standards and Rigor: Deepen knowledge of standards and align instruction to promote rigor and meet grade-level expectations.

• Enhance Instructional Practices: Implement evidence-based strategies for strong, engaging, and differentiated instruction.

• Scaffolding and Support: Learn how to scaffold lessons effectively and utilize inclusive practices to support all learners.

• Expectations of Use, Curriculum Development, & Content-Area Vision: Define clear, actionable expectations for content area curriculum and instructional materials across your district.

This day is ideal for educators, specialists and district leaders seeking to enhance Tier 1 Instruction through curriculum and instructional materials implementation to ensure grade-level learning.

We will be using REGIONAL SITES based on CONTENT AREA focus*
ELA (K-12) will be at the Ravenna Public Library (324 Milan Ave, Ravenna, NE 68869)
Math & Science (K-12) will be at the Kearney Public Library (2020 1st Ave, Kearney, NE 68847)
ALL OTHER CONTENT/FOCUS AREAS will be at ESU 10 (76 Plaza Blvd, Kearney, NE 68848)
*You will identify your particular content area/focus for the day in the Needs Assessment (Google Form) sent prior to the workshop. If you want to change your content area/focus, you must email Dianah Steinbrink to request this change.

NASA Region IV School Administrators 

November 5, 2025

• ESU 10 - ADMIN
• Wheelock, Melissa

A meeting is held for all superintendents in the NASA Region IV area. Registration is required.  Agenda will be sent via list serve.

Early Childhood Paraprofessional Bootcamp 2025-26 

November 14, 2025

• ESU 10 - ADMIN
• Puncochar, Libbie

November 14th-Math
This workshop provides information to support young children's learning in the domain of math.
Objectives
• To Explore Children’s Development within the Math Domain
• To Explore Math Concepts and Strategies for Teaching Them
• To Discover Appropriate Activities for Young Children’s Math Learning
• To Examine the Environment in Relation to Math Learning • To Discuss Integrating Math concepts into Existing Routines
• To Examine Materials to Support Math Learning

Paraprofessionals can meet the Rule 11 yearly requirement of 15 hrs. of Early Childhood specified professional development by taking three out of the four of these workshops.
Dates for the paraprofessional bootcamp include September 5, November 14, January 16, and February 27

Principal & Curriculum Director Meeting 11/18/25 

November 18, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• O'Brien, Denise

Key components of this meeting include: informing (regional and state initiatives), learning, collaborating, problem-solving, and networking. Join us for a day devoted to meeting the six tenets of the AQuESTT Accountability Framework and building level leadership.   This meeting is intended for building Principals and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Directors

Elementary Science Olympiad 2025 

December 3, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Steinbrink, Dianah

The Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) is the perfect complement to any 4th-6th grade science program.  ESO events take advantage of the natural curiosity of each child, and allow for in-depth hands-on experiences.

No prep for the events is necessary.  If you attended previously please give new students the opportunity to participate (some events will be repeats).

Each school building can bring up to 6 students (they will work in pairs).  Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

LETRS Volume 2 (Units 5-8) Cohort 1 2025-2026 (Day 2 of 4) 

December 11, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Kennicutt, Claudine

Teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling. Teachers need professional development that provides deeper knowledge, skills, and practice to successfully address reading difficulties.

• Understanding the content and methodology of research-based, explicit, structured literacy instruction

• Deep knowledge of the cognitive and language factors that shape student learning and of pedagogical detail

• Information about how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all student

Project Approach in Early Childhood Classrooms (Day 1 of 2) 

December 11, 2025

• ESU 10 - ADMIN
• Puncochar, Libbie

Preschoolers have a natural curiosity and love to explore their surroundings! Engaging them in the Project Approach means involving them in investigations of topics that capture their interest and are valuable for their understanding. By incorporating this approach into the curriculum, teachers can foster a genuine enthusiasm for learning among their students.

Over the course of this two-day workshop, participants will: 
    * Delve into project phases, key experiences and roles of educators and students
    * Emphasize the creation of inclusive, high-quality learning environments
    * Examine a variety of real classroom projects that were designed and implemented
    * Actively engage in a guided process for developing a 4-6 week study, including lesson plans to implement the following school year.

Participants will be provided with a Project Approach Guide and materials

LETRS Volume 1 (Units1-4) Cohort 2 2025-26 (Day 2 of 4) 

December 12, 2025

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Lewandowski, Dallas

Teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling. Teachers need professional development that provides deeper knowledge, skills, and practice to successfully address reading difficulties.

• Understanding the content and methodology of research-based, explicit, structured literacy instruction

• Deep knowledge of the cognitive and language factors that shape student learning and of pedagogical detail

• Information about how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all student

Tier 1 Curriculum Implementation Support - Winter 

January 5, 2026

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Steinbrink, Dianah

Join us for our collaborative, district-wide support days targeting Tier 1 Instruction through curriculum and instructional materials implementation to ensure grade-level learning.

Each day will be designed based on trends from a needs assessment sent to registered participants. While some sessions will include instruction from ESU 10 presenters, a majority of each day will be spent on facilitated work time and collaboration. There will be opportunities to collaborate with like instructional materials and similar grade levels.

• High-Quality Instructional Materials Lesson Planning & Unit Internalization: Understand the design of the materials to prepare for strengthening student engagement and learning.

• Increase Understanding of Standards and Rigor: Deepen knowledge of standards and align instruction to promote rigor and meet grade-level expectations.

• Enhance Instructional Practices: Implement evidence-based strategies for strong, engaging, and differentiated instruction.

• Scaffolding and Support: Learn how to scaffold lessons effectively and utilize inclusive practices to support all learners.

• Expectations of Use, Curriculum Development, & Content-Area Vision: Define clear, actionable expectations for content area curriculum and instructional materials across your district.

This day is ideal for educators, specialists and district leaders seeking to enhance Tier 1 Instruction through curriculum and instructional materials implementation to ensure grade-level learning.

Winter Mental Health Cadre Meeting 25-26 

January 8, 2026

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Walters, Amy

The cadre meetings will offer professional development opportunities and create a collaborative environment for school counselors, school psychologists, and mental health therapists to network and share best practices. Participants will engage in interactive learning experiences and build supportive professional connections.

Agenda: TBD

Title 1 Monitoring Visit Support Day 2026 

January 12, 2026

• ESU 10 - T&L
• Stukey, Heather

This day is designed to support those districts who will have a Title 1 monitoring visit during the 2025-26 school year. Time will be spent discussing the upcoming monitoring visit, completing documentation, and organizing artifacts.